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Sponge Cakes, Fairy Cakes, &c.
During the year nine samples of sponge cakes and one of fairy
cakes were submitted to the Public Analyst. Of these 3 samples
were procured formally and the rest informally.
Of the formal samples one was reported upon as containing
a boron preservative amounting to 9.1 grains of crystallised boric
acid per lb., whilst 2 of the informal (sponge cake) samples contained
9.8 and 8.4 grains per lb. of the same preservative.
The informal sample of fairy cakes was reported by the Public
Analyst to contain a boron preservative equivalent to 11.8 grains
per lb.
In view of the small amount of preservative present in the formal
sample, and having regard to the decision in the case which
was the subject of proceedings last year (vide p. 73 sample 381),
it was decided not to take out summonses against the vendor.
A report of the result of the proceedings in this case will be
found in the Appendix (page 124).
Butter.
During the year 88 samples of butter were submitted for examination.
Of these 16 were taken in the form prescribed by the Acts,
the remaining 72 samples were purchased informally.
One of the 72 informal samples was reported by the Public
Analyst as containing margarine.
Of the 88 samples submitted 19, or 21.6 per cent. contained no
preservative other than common salt; whilst 69, or 78.4 per cent.,
contained a boron preservative. Excluding the one (informal)
sample reported as adulterated, the average content of boron
preservative expressed in terms of crystallised boric acid, proved
to be 0.22 per cent., equivalent to 15.4 grains per lb. butter. The
maximum permissible quantity of this preservative in butter is
35 grains per lb.